Top LOOKS for Arizona
Moving to Arizona: What It’s Like to Live in the Grand Canyon State
Arizona’s appeal is straightforward: sunshine and opportunity. The state has become a magnet for people leaving high-cost metros in California, Washington, and Illinois in search of affordability and a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Its exploding cities are built in desert landscapes with modern infrastructure, while smaller mountain and high-desert towns offer calmer, cooler alternatives. The combination of business-friendly policies and new housing development keeps Arizona near the top of national relocation lists.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona added more than 90,000 new residents in 2023, continuing a decade-long streak of steady growth led by Phoenix, Tucson, and smaller cities like Queen Creek and Prescott Valley.
Cost of Living in Arizona
Arizona offers a moderate cost of living overall, with affordable housing outside major metros and no tax on Social Security income. Rising home prices in Phoenix and Scottsdale are the main pressure point.
- Home prices: The statewide median home price sits around $440,000, with Phoenix metro averaging $475,000, Tucson near $350,000, and Prescott and Flagstaff closer to $500,000–$600,000.
- Rent: A typical one-bedroom apartment averages $1,600 statewide, around $1,800 in Phoenix and $1,300 in Tucson.
- Taxes: Income tax rates range from 2.5% to 4.5%; property taxes remain below the national average.
- Utilities: Higher than average due to A/C costs, especially in summer.
- Groceries and healthcare: On par with national averages.
For many movers, Arizona delivers a better quality of life for the price — especially for those relocating from the West Coast.
TL;DR: Arizona Regions at a Glance
Region----------------------------What Works---------------------------Good Fit For
Phoenix Metro----------------------Jobs, sunshine, modern housing--------Professionals, families
Tucson & Southern Arizona----------Affordability, arts, desert charm----------Creatives, retirees
Northern Arizona-------------------Cooler weather, scenery-----------------Remote workers, retirees
(Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona)
Central Arizona---------------------Growth, affordability--------------------Commuters, first-time buyers
(Casa Grande, San Tan Valley)
Western Arizona--------------------Sunshine, cost savings------------------Retirees, snowbirds
(Lake Havasu, Yuma)
Where in Arizona Should You Live?
Phoenix Metro
The Phoenix metro is the state’s economic center — a sprawling region that includes Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. The job market is booming in healthcare, finance, and tech, while new master-planned communities continue to expand.
What Works: Year-round sun, modern infrastructure, and job access.
Watch Out For: Extreme heat and rising housing demand.
Tucson & Southern Arizona
Tucson blends culture and affordability in a setting surrounded by desert and mountains. It’s known for its university energy, arts scene, and strong sense of community.
What Works: Cost of living, creative culture, and mild winters.
Watch Out For: Fewer corporate jobs and summer heat.
Northern Arizona
Flagstaff, Prescott, and Sedona sit at higher elevations, offering cooler weather, pine forests, and smaller-town living. These areas attract remote workers, retirees, and outdoor lovers.
What Works: Four mild seasons, mountain scenery, and walkable downtowns.
Watch Out For: High housing prices and limited rental stock.
Central Arizona
Cities like Casa Grande and San Tan Valley are growing fast, offering new housing and easy access to both Phoenix and Tucson.
What Works: Affordability and new development.
Watch Out For: Longer commutes and fewer local amenities.
Western Arizona
Yuma and Lake Havasu City draw retirees and second-home owners who want dry heat and sunshine without big-city prices.
What Works: Low cost of living, warm winters, and relaxed pace.
Watch Out For: Summer temperatures that regularly top 110°F.
Best Cities in Arizona to Consider
Phoenix
Expanding, job-rich, and increasingly cosmopolitan.
Scottsdale
Polished, active, and lifestyle-focused.
Tucson
Affordable, creative, and community-oriented.
Chandler
Family-friendly with strong schools.
Gilbert
Clean, safe, and fast-growing.
Flagstaff
Cool mountain living with college-town energy.
Prescott
Scenic, historic, and popular for retirees.
Mesa
Suburban comfort with major amenities.
Is Arizona Right for You?
Arizona works for people who want warmth, affordability, and wide-open horizons. It’s not just for retirees — professionals, young families, and remote workers are reshaping the state’s demographics. The trade-offs are heat and water scarcity, but for most, the balance of sunshine and space makes it worth it.
FAQs About Living in Arizona
Q: Is Arizona affordable?
A: Yes, compared to coastal states. Phoenix has grown pricier, but Tucson and smaller cities remain accessible.
Q: What are the safest areas?
A: Gilbert, Oro Valley, and Queen Creek consistently rank among the safest in the state.
Q: How’s the job market?
A: Strong. Healthcare, finance, tech, and logistics drive growth across the Phoenix metro.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes. Phoenix’s light rail helps in central areas, but most people drive.
Q: How extreme is the heat?
A: Very. Expect 100°F+ from June through September, but it’s dry, and most homes are well-cooled.
Q: Is water a problem?
A: It’s managed carefully. Most urban areas have reliable infrastructure, though long-term conservation remains critical.
Ready to Find Your Arizona Fit?
Whether you’re drawn to mountain towns or desert cities, Arizona’s mix of affordability and sunshine offers a lifestyle hard to match.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Arizona cities and save them in your Movebook.